troymir350

Hello E forum members,
I've been on the SUV forum for a while, and we are moving from a GL to an E Bluetec. If I can convince my wife of the positives that will outweigh the size of the GL. I know there are a ton of threads on deals and why to get gas vs diesel, but how about a little feedback for a new sedan forum poster?

MSRP: $64,850 (P2, Leather, lane track pkg, heat wheel, act/vent seats, multi countour driver, pana roof, split rears, spoiler, trunk box) LOADED!!

Sell price is USAA, and we have $4k (USAA), $2k (loyalty), and $1k (MBCA). We included maintenance and for 24/10k lease it's $490 (with 6% tax) with only $850 (ish) due at signing. Will get the autopay mf discount, not sure I'll do the MSDs but maybe.

Anyway, your thoughts on the deal appreciated. But, how do people like the Bluetec in the snow belt? Use winter tires? Stick with all season? Mileage you're getting? In general, anyone that can compare the "feeling" to being in an SUV like a GL? Thanks and look forward to sharing as time goes by....

YYZ-E55

I currently have a GL BlueTEC and an E 350 4MATIC. Aside from the obvious differences of a SUV versus a sedan, I can say that I would have 100% gone for the diesel in the E if it weren't for the lack of 4MATIC. Winter tires are a must on the E BlueTEC IMO. Get them to cut you a great deal on a dedicated set of winter wheels/tires.

ghstudio

Since there is no "special money factor" on the BluTec, definitely take the msd's. It will lower your monthly payments by over $50 and you get the money back. You can't earn $50 a month on the same money in a bank or CD...you can't even come close. I'd give them 50 MSD's if I could

K-A

Jesus that's cheap. Can't believe how low those things are being Leased for.

Mbenz260e

We have a E350 BTC and ML320 BTC. The obvious differences is what you would expect with smoothness and comfort. The E will run at lower RPMs on the highway. Mileage for me have been around 33mpg on the E with probbaly 70% highway vs. 20ish on the ML with 90% city...

Both great cars but the E is obviously smoother and better handling. We are in the mid Atlantic so All seasons are fine I am hoping so can't give much input there.

thekurgan

Diesel residuals have always been higher, yeah.

ImInPA

I have a 2011 E350 Bluetec. I do recommend a set of snow tires for the winter if you get more than a few inches of snow. I ordered a set of Michelin X-Ice snows on inexpensive Elbrus rims from tire rack complete with TPMS sensors. It was plug and play. Everything worked, and, as a test, I was able to accelerate better than my neighbor's C 300 with 4Matic and all season tires. He was impressed enough that he has ordered snow tires for his 4Matic for next winter. My Blutec now has close to 32k miles, and, I am pleased to report that all of them have been trouble free. In fact, my E has been one of the best cars I have ever owned. Since i started buying diesel vehicles, i always find their gas counterparts feeling underpowered. Be warned that torque is very addictive. The Bluetec is a remarkable car that returns me over 40 mpg on the highway. This will likely improve once it has 50-60k miles on the clock. The steering system used on the bluetecs is very different from the gas Es. It is what MB calls "parameter" steering, as opposed to the Direct system used in the gas Es. Completely different feel. Do a thorough test drive of each and just buy the one that makes you smile. I doubt you will be disappointed which ever way you decide. Good luck.

aeggroup

I own GL BlueTec and lease E 4matic and i can't wait till the end of my lease to switch to E BlueTec. I just hope MB will continue 8 months forgiveness program this year. Both of those cars are great ( GL&E), but I preffer E class for city driving and GL for a highway or long trips. I have no issue with Blutec being RWD because we use GL for snow driving, but if you need to drive it in snow - just put winter tires. As stated above - you should not have any problems to drive it in regular winter conditions.

ghstudio

The e350 Bluetec 24 month lease is probably the best lease deal available on any semi-luxury/luxury car. Over 75% residual just drops the monthly cost to unbelievable levels, combined with MSD's and it should be irresistable.

thekurgan

Yes, very much agree. Also, the non-staggered tire setup makes for more neutral handling along with the extra weight right over the rear end, also helps.

troymir350

Going to see/drive the car tomorrow that we should be getting. It's about an hour away, so we have just put it on hold until now.

In the ML/GL, there is a function to run the heat/AC fan after the car is turned off. Does the W212 have this also? And with P2 keyless system, can you lock the car with it running from the outside with the extra key if you want to leave it running for heat/cool? Thanks!

aeggroup

No.

Raymond Lee

You only know BlueTec after you have been driving a while. The car loves to run smooth. My car is still under 2000 miles new but I get 36 on high way, hard to believe but it does give me that kinds of mileage.